President Duterte is reluctant to run for vice president in the 2022 national elections despite the appeal from his political party to seek another elective post.
According to the President, he would "resist" calls to run next year since he intends to retire from public service.
Duterte's six-year term will end in June 2022 and he is not eligible for reelection. The ruling PDP-Laban party however recently passed a resolution asking the President to run for vice president in next year's elections and choose the party's standard-bearer.
"Mahirap 'yan pastor kasi mag-retire na ako (That's difficult because I will retire)," he said during an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Tuesday when asked about the party's resolution asking him to join the vice-presidential race.
"Tapos this time, ako mamili ng presidente. Pag manalo, sabihin nila ano ko lang 'yan perpetuate yourself in power so re-resist ako (Then this time, if I choose the next president, if the person wins, they will say I'm trying to perpetuate yourself in power so I will resist)," he added.
When Quiboloy pressed on the need for Duterte to serve as vice president to ensure continuity, the President insisted he prefers to return home in Davao City and retire.
"I'm ready for retirement," Duterte said, adding that his "greatest achievement" as president was having exposed the oligarchy in the country.